Oh, these Pecan Pie bars… they’re like a warm hug on a plate. Honestly, I think I might love them even more than traditional pecan pie. Don’t get me wrong, I adore pecan pie, but sometimes you just want that same incredible flavor in a more manageable, portable form. Think of these as the best parts of pecan pie – the gooey, nutty filling and buttery crust – all baked into perfectly portioned squares. Plus, they’re way easier to make! If you love that classic pecan pie flavor, you are absolutely going to adore these pecan pie bars. They are dangerous to have around, trust me!
What are pecan pie bars?
Simply put, Pecan Pie bars are a deconstructed, easier-to-eat version of pecan pie. It’s essentially a buttery shortbread crust topped with that rich, sweet, and nutty pecan filling we all know and love. Think of it as pecan pie’s cooler, more laid-back cousin. You get all the amazing flavors and textures without the fuss of a pie crust. They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a little something sweet to enjoy with your afternoon coffee. I first made these for a bake sale years ago, and they were gone in a flash! I knew I had a winner on my hands then. These are also so much easier to cut and serve than a traditional pie – no more messy slices falling apart!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to fall in love with these Pecan Pie bars. First, the flavor is just out of this world. The combination of the buttery crust, the sweet and caramelly filling, and the crunchy pecans is pure perfection. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more.
But beyond the incredible flavor, these bars are surprisingly easy to make. The crust comes together quickly, and the filling is even simpler – just a matter of whisking everything together. No complicated pie crust techniques required! This recipe uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge. No need for fancy or hard-to-find items. What I love most about this is that it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Everyone I’ve ever made these for has raved about them. They’re perfect for sharing (if you can resist eating them all yourself, that is!). If you like chocolate, try adding chocolate chips to the crust for an extra decadent treat. It’s amazing! They are very similar to millionaire bars but a little easier. If you like that recipe, you’ll love these!
How do you make pecan pie bars?
Quick Overview
Making these Pecan Pie bars is a breeze! You’ll start by pressing a simple shortbread crust into a pan. Then, you’ll whisk together the pecan filling and pour it over the crust. After a bake in the oven, you will cool the bars, drizzle them with a simple glaze, and slice them into squares. The best part? The oven does most of the work! The result is a tray of irresistible pecan pie bars that are perfect for any occasion. This is one of those recipes where the end result seems way more impressive than the actual effort involved!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: What is the difference between
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Good quality flour makes a difference in the texture of the crust. I prefer unbleached all-purpose flour.
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes: Make sure the butter is very cold for a flaky crust.
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
* 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
* 4-6 tablespoons ice water: Add the water gradually until the dough comes together. The amount may vary depending on your flour and humidity.
For the Filling:
* 1 cup packed light Brown Sugar: The brown sugar gives the filling its caramelly flavor.
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted: Melted butter makes the filling smooth and rich.
* 1/4 cup corn syrup: Corn syrup helps create the gooey texture of the filling. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup, but the texture will be slightly different.
* 2 large eggs: Eggs bind the filling together and add richness.
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the filling.
* 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness of the filling.
* 1 1/2 cups pecan halves: Use good quality pecan halves for the best flavor. You can also use chopped pecans, but I prefer the look of the halves.
For the Glaze:
* 1 cup powdered sugar: Powdered sugar creates a smooth and sweet glaze.
* 2-3 tablespoons milk: Add the milk gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the glaze.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. The parchment paper will make it easy to lift the bars out of the pan later. This is a really important step, don’t skip it!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Set aside. What is the best way to ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed. Don’t skip whisking even if you think it’s not necessary; it makes a difference!
Step 3: Cut in Butter
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture. If you don’t have a pastry blender, you can use two knives to cut in the butter.
Step 4: Add Ice Water
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to add too much water, as this will make the crust tough. The dough should be slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed.
Step 5: Press into Pan
How do you press dough into a baking pan? How do you press dough into an even layer using a measuring cup? How do I get the crust to puff up during baking?
Step 6: Bake Crust
Bake crust for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. While the crust is baking, prepare the filling.
Step 7: Prepare Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Set aside. How do I mix salt and pepper until smooth. Stir in the pecan halves.
Step 8: Pour Filling Over Crust
Pour the pecan filling over the baked crust and spread evenly.
Step 9: Bake Bars
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown. The filling should be slightly jiggly in the center, but it will firm up as it cools.
Step 10: Cool Completely
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting. Is this important for the bars to set properly? I usually let them cool for at least 2 hours, or even overnight.
Step 11: Make Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
Step 12: Drizzle with Glaze
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
Step 13: Slice & Serve
What is the best way to remove bars from a pan?
What is the best way to serve it?
Can you serve pecan pie bars in a variety of ways? For breakfast, they pair perfectly with a cup of strong black coffee or latte. The sweetness of the bars balances the bitterness of coffee beautifully.
I love to serve whipped cream and fresh fruit for brunch. Is it possible to have a girl like them? What are the best accompaniments to a mimosa or sparkling wine?
As a dessert, these bars are wonderful on their own, but you can also serve them with some fresh fruit. Vanilla Ice Cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. What’s a good way to end your meal?
And for cozy snacks, these bars are amazing with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. They’re the perfect treat to enjoy on a rainy afternoon or a chilly evening. My family loves to snack on these while watching movies. It’s become a bit of a tradition for us!
How do I make Pecan Pie Bars?
Butter is Key:How do I make a flaky crust with very cold butter? I sometimes put the butter in the freezer for 15 minutes before using it.
Don’t overmix the dough: Don’tIf you overmix the dough, it will develop gluten and result in a tough crust. Mix just until dough comes together.
Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans before adding them to the filling will enhance their flavor and add a bit of extra crunch. Just spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.
Corn Syrup Substitute: If you don’t have corn syrup, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup. However, the texture of the filling will be slightly different. It will be a little less gooey and more like a traditional pecan pie.
Baking Time: Keep an eye on the bars while they’re baking. The baking time may vary depending on your oven. The filling should be set and golden brown, but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Cooling Time: It’s really important to let the bars cool completely before cutting them. This will allow the filling to set properly and prevent the bars from falling apart.
Storing and Reheating Tips
These pecan pie bars can be stored at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or in the freezer. At room temperature, they will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
In the refrigerator, they will stay fresh for up to a week. Again, store them in an airtight container. You can also store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
When you’re ready to eat them, you can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, or in the microwave for a few seconds. If you’re going to store the bars in the freezer, I recommend waiting to glaze them until after they’ve been thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These pecan pie bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a little slice of Southern comfort that’s perfect for any occasion. They’re incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, these bars are sure to be a hit. If you’re a fan of pecan pie, you absolutely have to try this simplified, portable version. And if you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my other bar recipes – I’ve got everything from lemon bars to brownies! Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below, and share your own variations of this recipe. I love to see what you come up with!
pecan pie bars
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup butter melted
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups pecans chopped
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 3 eggs beaten
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, melted butter, and granulated sugar until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish to form the crust.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes, then remove it from the oven to cool slightly.
- In another bowl, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, and beaten eggs. Stir in the chopped pecans.
- Pour the pecan mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the filling is set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
